Denise McPherson, LPCC

I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), having earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University. As a therapist and a human, I am passionate about helping others find strength and peace when they need it most. My career journey began by working with the Developmentally Disabled population through the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 1995. There, I had the rewarding opportunity of coaching and assisting individuals to become successful independent employees within their communities. I have also served as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardian Ad Litem (CASA) for the Stark County Family Courts by representing abused, neglected, and dependent children. During my graduate education, I was employed as a Case Worker for Stark County Children's Services where I used a strength-based approach while working with families, towards the goal of parent-child reunification. As a therapist, over the last 10 years I have had extensive experience working with victims of trauma. This includes preparing victims of sexual abuse and/or assault for court testimony during trial and assisting family members in their supportive roles. I am also trained and have experience in several treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Most of my experience has been working with individuals struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD/ADD, Substance Abuse, Autism and Learning Disabilities, and supporting families going through the Parent-Child Reunification process, or high conflict divorce. I have provided court testimony in the aforementioned roles as CASA and Case Worker, and additionally as a Clinical Counselor. I encourage family involvement and support in the therapeutic process, when appropriate. Today, more than ever, I understand that "Family" is a single word with many meanings. In my experience I have found that a holistic approach to counseling is most effective and recognize the importance of caring for one's self mentally, physically, and spiritually.